A pic of Renz among the graduates.
Renz with his partner dancing to the tune of "Somewhere Out There"
Renz Graduates from K-1
We attended Renz's graduation from K1 at IJMC. Here's DH fixing up Renz's cap.
A pic of Renz among the graduates.
Renz with his partner dancing to the tune of "Somewhere Out There"
A pic of Renz among the graduates.
Renz with his partner dancing to the tune of "Somewhere Out There"
Continuous Backstrokes, Ping-pong Table
Mar. 21, Wednesday:
2 lads were at the pool today. The plywood for the Ping-pong table finally came. This is after the 2 pieces were returned coz they weren't suited.
Mar. 22, Thursday:
It's Cavite Day. I did 2 full laps on the backstroke today. Here's a couple of studious kids putting the tables into good use.
Mar. 23, Friday:
Continuous Backstrokes
Overcast skies today and I was dilly-dallying whether to go or not. Well I did. I kept recalling that come August, there's no more renewal and I'll be paying per entry Php100 a pop! Major Bummer on the Pocket. So I REALLY need to maximize my membership NOW. Today's workout surprised me. I'm able to do slow and relaxed backstrokes on purpose! In fact, I did the short laps 12.5m back-and-forth with backstrokes. Prior, I just did the backstroke one short length and then hubrst back to the starting end. Today, I just did backstrokes over and over. Nice! But I did get winded though.
Mar. 24, Saturday:
The basic structure of the Pingpong table top is finished
Here's the table being sanded.
That's Mang Bert's third son. Too bad none of his 2 older sons learned the ways of a master carpenter.
Here's the table semi-finished in the garage.
Materials spent is almost Php2,100 and the labor is Php1,700 (including repair for the leaking gate valve). So that's Php3,800 total. I may ask for additional work though to reinforce the bracing of the top. I imagine it will eventually sag in the middle after much use.
Tuesday
pc1/91/90-120
I felt tired and achy today. But after I took a packet of Extra Joss, I felt the soreness disappear! It's been quite some time that I stopped eggbeatering and today resumed it. The free lessons kids were there and they're still few. I reckon towards the last weeks, it'll be packed again. It's good to have some noise again at the pool.
2 lads were at the pool today. The plywood for the Ping-pong table finally came. This is after the 2 pieces were returned coz they weren't suited.
Mar. 22, Thursday:
It's Cavite Day. I did 2 full laps on the backstroke today. Here's a couple of studious kids putting the tables into good use.
Mar. 23, Friday:
Continuous Backstrokes
Overcast skies today and I was dilly-dallying whether to go or not. Well I did. I kept recalling that come August, there's no more renewal and I'll be paying per entry Php100 a pop! Major Bummer on the Pocket. So I REALLY need to maximize my membership NOW. Today's workout surprised me. I'm able to do slow and relaxed backstrokes on purpose! In fact, I did the short laps 12.5m back-and-forth with backstrokes. Prior, I just did the backstroke one short length and then hubrst back to the starting end. Today, I just did backstrokes over and over. Nice! But I did get winded though.
Mar. 24, Saturday:
The basic structure of the Pingpong table top is finished
Here's the table being sanded.
That's Mang Bert's third son. Too bad none of his 2 older sons learned the ways of a master carpenter.
Here's the table semi-finished in the garage.
Materials spent is almost Php2,100 and the labor is Php1,700 (including repair for the leaking gate valve). So that's Php3,800 total. I may ask for additional work though to reinforce the bracing of the top. I imagine it will eventually sag in the middle after much use.
Tuesday
pc1/91/90-120
I felt tired and achy today. But after I took a packet of Extra Joss, I felt the soreness disappear! It's been quite some time that I stopped eggbeatering and today resumed it. The free lessons kids were there and they're still few. I reckon towards the last weeks, it'll be packed again. It's good to have some noise again at the pool.
Block Rosary 2007
Last Saturday, the image of the Virgin Mary was moved to our house. This is an old custom that happens around these months of summer. It's the first time for the kids to experience it.
We have the rosary every night for one whole week and in this particular night, Renz was nursing a fever. That's why he's lying on the sofa. DH and the other kids sit themselves on the native mat (courtesy of Amkor) on the floor.
One night as the native mat was laid, right before the rosary, I heard following:
DH bought some flowers for the Virgin Mary statue coz it will be moved over to Tita Ella's in-laws. She asked me to take a pic:
We have the rosary every night for one whole week and in this particular night, Renz was nursing a fever. That's why he's lying on the sofa. DH and the other kids sit themselves on the native mat (courtesy of Amkor) on the floor.
One night as the native mat was laid, right before the rosary, I heard following:
Karen: O, Renz, genuflect ka. Marunong ka ba 'non?
Renz : Oo!
Karen: Sige nga, mag-genuflect ka.
(Renz kneels on both knees, sits his butt on his heels and with outstretch arms bends on the floor)
Karen: Ngiii! Pang-Ramadan naman yan eh!
DH bought some flowers for the Virgin Mary statue coz it will be moved over to Tita Ella's in-laws. She asked me to take a pic:
No Swim Lessons this Summer
Mar. 17, Saturday:
We went to Starland Metropolis to inquire on the swimming lessons for summer. The place's layout has changed much. There are more glass partitions now and the offices look so much better. I'm having second thoughts though on driving kids for swim lessons this year coz of the following.
We went to Starland Metropolis to inquire on the swimming lessons for summer. The place's layout has changed much. There are more glass partitions now and the offices look so much better. I'm having second thoughts though on driving kids for swim lessons this year coz of the following.
- Traffic will be heavier this summer coz of the ongoing construction along the expressway and below the viaduct. That also means I'll most likely miss my own swimming sessions.
- Lessons for Renz's age is so expensive. At Php2500, it doesn't seem worth it. Maybe when Renz is a little taller.
- Karen isn't too keen on lessons and we're thinking of some dental work for her. Driving just Dada to Metro (without Renz or Karen) isn't too cost-effective.
- I'm having a table Ping Pong table built for the kids. So that may be the sports alternative this summer.
Happy Birthday DH!
Mar. 14, Wednesday:
pc1/90/80-120
Didn't do any squares today. I'm feeling more shoulder rotation now in my backstroke. With the shoulder rotation, the stroking hand doesn't splash too much water at the surface. This probly means the stroke is more efficient with the action all happening underwater. At the office, Fred noticed that my back was wet. It was from the sweating after the workout. That for me is a gooooood sign.
Mar. 15, Thursday:
20 backstroke short laps! I just felt I had to burn the huge dinner I had last night. Burp. A 2-day shutdown started today, but I still went to the office.
Mar. 16, Friday:
Happy Birthday DH!
18 short laps, but my! Was I sweating at the office! I guess it's partly due to the warm weather as well. It's the second day that we're on soft shutdown at the office. The heat at the office without the aircon is making my stomach feel bad. That's another reason I had to beg off in yesterday's ACT meeting, apart from the network downtime.
Here's DH's treat.
pc1/90/80-120
Didn't do any squares today. I'm feeling more shoulder rotation now in my backstroke. With the shoulder rotation, the stroking hand doesn't splash too much water at the surface. This probly means the stroke is more efficient with the action all happening underwater. At the office, Fred noticed that my back was wet. It was from the sweating after the workout. That for me is a gooooood sign.
Mar. 15, Thursday:
20 backstroke short laps! I just felt I had to burn the huge dinner I had last night. Burp. A 2-day shutdown started today, but I still went to the office.
Mar. 16, Friday:
Happy Birthday DH!
18 short laps, but my! Was I sweating at the office! I guess it's partly due to the warm weather as well. It's the second day that we're on soft shutdown at the office. The heat at the office without the aircon is making my stomach feel bad. That's another reason I had to beg off in yesterday's ACT meeting, apart from the network downtime.
Here's DH's treat.
The gang's all smiles.
DH blowing her 'cake' made up of some pichi-pichi.
Renz really enjoying himself.
Whole Length Backstroke
pc1/91/80-100
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
Today I attempted a whole length for backstroke. I faltered near the ladder where I got water in my nose. Will try more tomorrow though. I'm also starting to rotate more. So, that's good. Here are the banners by the gate. Note that the swim lessons on top banner costs so much while the banner below, it's free!
Tonight, we decided to take the usual walk after dinner. Sandra and Renz joined us. Corz the "brisk walking" we did quickly deteteriorated into a stroll of sorts with Renz walking so slowly with small steps. Anyway, we passed some really big and nice houses. Both Sandra and Renz were in awe. This conversation ensued between Renz and DH:
Renz: Mama, bakit po sila mayaman?
DH: Kasi masipag sila.
Renz: Tayo po, hindi?
Something just didn't sound right. DH and I were saving for the kids' education and having a nice big house isn't the biggest priority right now.
Stirring the Hornets' Nest
Yesterday:
Last Saturday we took the car to Toyota for its 100K service. We changed our choice of oil from regular to synthetic after hearing Eugene's pitch for synthetic oil. We were told that we needn't have it checked for the next 5km. At least that's some good news coz it's a hassle bringing the car to the 'casa' almost every 6 months. We were rather surprised at the price Php2000 (Php500 per liter)
We went to Pampanga today. Renz, Karen and DH had the misfortune of getting stings from wasps at the garden swing. They were nasty. Renz was the first stung. He was playfully jumping inside the swing and apparently all his jumping rattled the hornets' nest. He was stung at the foot near the ankle. His reaction was to hysterically run in place and his hands rubbing his ears as if warding off a swarm. He was like demon-possessed and I thought there were giant fire ants (hantik) all over his body. Poor guy. His ate had 2 stings on both arms, while DH had one in the arm. I had ice put on the stings to abate the inflammation. Mommy told us to put whiteflower on the stings which seemed to soothe the pain. Whew! That was some crazy aftenoon. We're all thankful that nobody got stung on the face esp near the eyes or mouth. Now THAT would be terrible.
Today:
Nowadays I'm feeling soreness in my right upper back. I know I'm getting a good workout with the backstroke and I may be over-reaching, thus overstretching, the back. I'm still doing the 2 squares and the improved backstroke.
As in all Mondays, the water today is blurry. It must've been a rough weekend. Many times I'm asked by others (mostly non-swimmers) if the water is clean, or how clean is it. And then proceed to say that they've visited the place and observed that the water seem dirty. This kinda irks me sometimes. I mean, how clean do you want it to be? Clean enough to drink it?
Ugh. So my standard answer to these queries is: I've been swimming in this pool for 3 years. All I care about is it's chlorinated well and I'm glad I never got sick from my swimming.
I saw a new banner at the pool today announcing the learn-to-swim lessons for Php3,500 starting Mar.26. Below it is a banner saying free swimming lessons starting Mar.26 - just register inside. Hmmm. Is there something wrong with this, or what?
I mean, why pay Php3,500 when you can just register free for "free" lessons?
Last Saturday we took the car to Toyota for its 100K service. We changed our choice of oil from regular to synthetic after hearing Eugene's pitch for synthetic oil. We were told that we needn't have it checked for the next 5km. At least that's some good news coz it's a hassle bringing the car to the 'casa' almost every 6 months. We were rather surprised at the price Php2000 (Php500 per liter)
We went to Pampanga today. Renz, Karen and DH had the misfortune of getting stings from wasps at the garden swing. They were nasty. Renz was the first stung. He was playfully jumping inside the swing and apparently all his jumping rattled the hornets' nest. He was stung at the foot near the ankle. His reaction was to hysterically run in place and his hands rubbing his ears as if warding off a swarm. He was like demon-possessed and I thought there were giant fire ants (hantik) all over his body. Poor guy. His ate had 2 stings on both arms, while DH had one in the arm. I had ice put on the stings to abate the inflammation. Mommy told us to put whiteflower on the stings which seemed to soothe the pain. Whew! That was some crazy aftenoon. We're all thankful that nobody got stung on the face esp near the eyes or mouth. Now THAT would be terrible.
Today:
Nowadays I'm feeling soreness in my right upper back. I know I'm getting a good workout with the backstroke and I may be over-reaching, thus overstretching, the back. I'm still doing the 2 squares and the improved backstroke.
As in all Mondays, the water today is blurry. It must've been a rough weekend. Many times I'm asked by others (mostly non-swimmers) if the water is clean, or how clean is it. And then proceed to say that they've visited the place and observed that the water seem dirty. This kinda irks me sometimes. I mean, how clean do you want it to be? Clean enough to drink it?
Ugh. So my standard answer to these queries is: I've been swimming in this pool for 3 years. All I care about is it's chlorinated well and I'm glad I never got sick from my swimming.I saw a new banner at the pool today announcing the learn-to-swim lessons for Php3,500 starting Mar.26. Below it is a banner saying free swimming lessons starting Mar.26 - just register inside. Hmmm. Is there something wrong with this, or what?
I mean, why pay Php3,500 when you can just register free for "free" lessons? Coin on the Forehead
Yesterday:
Water's green, new water came in and it's cooler. How about using coins on the forehead as I read? Here's a nice post on the drill by Donna in the USMS forum. It's rather long, but the lady knows her stuff:
"I was a backstroker so I will pass along to you how I swam this stroke. I never was low or flat to the water. The waterline hit my head at about the crown area which means I was both looking up and looking somewhat down toward my knees at the same time. And kicking with backstroke is crucial. My head never moved from side-to-side. I accomplished a non-moving head by putting coins on my forehead and swam with them. If they fell off, I had to much upper body or head movement. You can also do this with goggles on your head, but they are larger and won't fall off as easily, so they are not a true test.
I used nickels, dimes, quarters. And when I felt like I really had no movement, I would pile a lot of them on my forehead and swim a 25. When all coins stayed put, I had this portion of the stroke "memorized" in my brain and body (I could feel it). As for breathing in backstroke, the only water I ever experienced was water I generated as my arm strokes came above my head; not from other people, and maybe this is because I was not low in the water like people swim today. During the last Olympics, I didn't see many backstrokers flat in the water; they were slightly elevated.
It's also easy to bounce when swimming backstroke and this is due to the effort one is trying to produce. But bouncing is off-limits, too. Ideally, smooth, long and fast strokes with hip rotation and a quiet head will suit a person very well."
Today:
I brought a coin for the coin-on-the-forehead drill in backstroke. But I chickened out. I've yet to master backstroke to maintain head stability throughout.
I joined the ACT club meeting last night. I was a little surprised that they held it at the ground floor. The last time I attended, it was on the second floor. I wasn't expecting it, but I was requested by Khris to evaluate Hanika's Prepared Speech "Driving Lessons" as Hanika was to compete on Saturday for the Area level. Norrie and Jess from Kimberly Clark were there too. Past 7pm, it became noisier. There was a bigger crowd (many foreigners) and it was a challenge to listen and give my speech evaluation. Hope they could get a better venue. Here's me giving my evaluation on Hanika's speech. (photo courtesy of Jess)
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Water's green, new water came in and it's cooler. How about using coins on the forehead as I read? Here's a nice post on the drill by Donna in the USMS forum. It's rather long, but the lady knows her stuff:
"I was a backstroker so I will pass along to you how I swam this stroke. I never was low or flat to the water. The waterline hit my head at about the crown area which means I was both looking up and looking somewhat down toward my knees at the same time. And kicking with backstroke is crucial. My head never moved from side-to-side. I accomplished a non-moving head by putting coins on my forehead and swam with them. If they fell off, I had to much upper body or head movement. You can also do this with goggles on your head, but they are larger and won't fall off as easily, so they are not a true test.
I used nickels, dimes, quarters. And when I felt like I really had no movement, I would pile a lot of them on my forehead and swim a 25. When all coins stayed put, I had this portion of the stroke "memorized" in my brain and body (I could feel it). As for breathing in backstroke, the only water I ever experienced was water I generated as my arm strokes came above my head; not from other people, and maybe this is because I was not low in the water like people swim today. During the last Olympics, I didn't see many backstrokers flat in the water; they were slightly elevated.
It's also easy to bounce when swimming backstroke and this is due to the effort one is trying to produce. But bouncing is off-limits, too. Ideally, smooth, long and fast strokes with hip rotation and a quiet head will suit a person very well."
Today:
I brought a coin for the coin-on-the-forehead drill in backstroke. But I chickened out. I've yet to master backstroke to maintain head stability throughout.
I joined the ACT club meeting last night. I was a little surprised that they held it at the ground floor. The last time I attended, it was on the second floor. I wasn't expecting it, but I was requested by Khris to evaluate Hanika's Prepared Speech "Driving Lessons" as Hanika was to compete on Saturday for the Area level. Norrie and Jess from Kimberly Clark were there too. Past 7pm, it became noisier. There was a bigger crowd (many foreigners) and it was a challenge to listen and give my speech evaluation. Hope they could get a better venue. Here's me giving my evaluation on Hanika's speech. (photo courtesy of Jess)
See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
My Backstroke Marker
When I saw the Medicard van today, I was "Gosh I forgot. It's my annual PE."
Drizzle in the morning. Hmmm, and I thought summer's in.
I brought my orange water bottle. Since there are no backstroke pennants, this will be my marker for the 5 foot line. This bottle has been used by Dada, so she used the Nestea bottle instead.
Here's the bottle on the deck. It's rougly 4 to 5 feet from the wall on the right. So I backstroke left to right. After seeing the marker, I stop to avoid from hitting the wall.
I felt bloated after a couple of gulps. Next time I'll bring the bottle but with just a little water inside. I threw out the rest this morning. At least now I tried drinking while treading! Another first! The bottle should NOT be full as it only adds to the weight.
Drizzle in the morning. Hmmm, and I thought summer's in.
I brought my orange water bottle. Since there are no backstroke pennants, this will be my marker for the 5 foot line. This bottle has been used by Dada, so she used the Nestea bottle instead.
Here's the bottle on the deck. It's rougly 4 to 5 feet from the wall on the right. So I backstroke left to right. After seeing the marker, I stop to avoid from hitting the wall.
I felt bloated after a couple of gulps. Next time I'll bring the bottle but with just a little water inside. I threw out the rest this morning. At least now I tried drinking while treading! Another first! The bottle should NOT be full as it only adds to the weight.
Sore Back
Yesterday:
pc1/88/90-100
I'm beginning to like more and more this backstroke thing. Today I did several - like maybe 6! Corz they're only very short (12.5m), but still it feels good that I want to do them over and over. I'm already anticipating some full lengths 25m. I used the new green shorts today. It feels constricting after being so accustomed to the short old ones. It felt like I was swimming in cycling shorts (jammers) again!
I'm still having fruit after the swim instead of a half-rice meal. So far it's been okay, although I still have this tendency to eat a little more at the 10:30am break. I had an interesting discussion with Anthony about timed activities. Apparently for him he gets "pushed" by timing himself on bike runs. I said I don't feel the same way. If I get off too much from previous fast times, it gets a little depressing feeling all those gains are lost. What "pushes" me is the varied activity/ strokes I have in swimming. I just make it as fun as possible without the "competitive, yeah-I'm-there" attitude. And so far, it has worked well for me. I'm still in it and I think that's where fun and consistency rather than competitiveness has its advantage for fitness.
Today:
I felt good today. I did like 10 backstrokes and my traps at midback are getting sore already. I think I better start using a marker of sort while I do the backstroke. I don't wanna scrape skin off my arms/hands hitting the concrete deck. I've been thinking of getting a new water bottle (Sandra's been using mine) that's either yellow or red in color for added visibility. I'd rather have a bright color rather than the gray slippers I've been using.
Last Friday I sent an email to Lolet telling her of my intention to join the ACT Toastmasters Club. It'll be my first time to formally join a club outside the company. I just lost patience waiting for our own club to renew memberships. Plus, the recent delayed evaluation (2 weeks after speech delivery!) appear to be a bad omen. My first meeting with the club will be Thursday this week. So, we'll see how that goes. See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
pc1/88/90-100
I'm beginning to like more and more this backstroke thing. Today I did several - like maybe 6! Corz they're only very short (12.5m), but still it feels good that I want to do them over and over. I'm already anticipating some full lengths 25m. I used the new green shorts today. It feels constricting after being so accustomed to the short old ones. It felt like I was swimming in cycling shorts (jammers) again!
I'm still having fruit after the swim instead of a half-rice meal. So far it's been okay, although I still have this tendency to eat a little more at the 10:30am break. I had an interesting discussion with Anthony about timed activities. Apparently for him he gets "pushed" by timing himself on bike runs. I said I don't feel the same way. If I get off too much from previous fast times, it gets a little depressing feeling all those gains are lost. What "pushes" me is the varied activity/ strokes I have in swimming. I just make it as fun as possible without the "competitive, yeah-I'm-there" attitude. And so far, it has worked well for me. I'm still in it and I think that's where fun and consistency rather than competitiveness has its advantage for fitness.
Today:
I felt good today. I did like 10 backstrokes and my traps at midback are getting sore already. I think I better start using a marker of sort while I do the backstroke. I don't wanna scrape skin off my arms/hands hitting the concrete deck. I've been thinking of getting a new water bottle (Sandra's been using mine) that's either yellow or red in color for added visibility. I'd rather have a bright color rather than the gray slippers I've been using.
Last Friday I sent an email to Lolet telling her of my intention to join the ACT Toastmasters Club. It'll be my first time to formally join a club outside the company. I just lost patience waiting for our own club to renew memberships. Plus, the recent delayed evaluation (2 weeks after speech delivery!) appear to be a bad omen. My first meeting with the club will be Thursday this week. So, we'll see how that goes. See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!
Southmall Time
We were supposed to go to Pampanga today but for some unknown reasons, it was a little bad timing. Anyway, we went to the 3-day sale at Southmall instead. We figured it was a welcome treat/ break for the 2 munsci kids after their presentations. The kids got new shoes. I bought a t-shirt for me and a new pair of green swim shorts. They're technically not trunks, but good enough for Php 198 (at 10% off).
Dyok-time:
"Anak ng May-ari"
It was quite late when we got out of SM. Dinner meant eating at Jollibee at the SLEX gas station. When we got there, we easily got a table and sat myself down. The others ordered and went off to wash hands. I was gazing the south expressway and didn't mind the noise at the playground behind me. The noise at my back became louder and I said to myself wow, those bratty kids must feel "quite at home". The yelling and shouting went on and I was just a bit annoyed.
Soon the food came and everybody's washed their hands and sat at the table. As we were eating, I said to Tita Gay "Siguro nakauwi na rin yung batang maingay kanina ano? Aba'y parang anak yata ng may-ari eh!" To which Tita Gay said "Hindi, kumakain na siya. Ayan sa tabi mo, o!", pointing at Renz. Yikes!
Dyok-time:
"Anak ng May-ari"
It was quite late when we got out of SM. Dinner meant eating at Jollibee at the SLEX gas station. When we got there, we easily got a table and sat myself down. The others ordered and went off to wash hands. I was gazing the south expressway and didn't mind the noise at the playground behind me. The noise at my back became louder and I said to myself wow, those bratty kids must feel "quite at home". The yelling and shouting went on and I was just a bit annoyed.
Soon the food came and everybody's washed their hands and sat at the table. As we were eating, I said to Tita Gay "Siguro nakauwi na rin yung batang maingay kanina ano? Aba'y parang anak yata ng may-ari eh!" To which Tita Gay said "Hindi, kumakain na siya. Ayan sa tabi mo, o!", pointing at Renz. Yikes!
An Afternoon Treat of Cultural Dances
Wow! Today we attended the much prepared for "Handog" Cultural Dance of MunSci partly sponsored by the MAPEH Department. It was the first time for me to see the inside of the Fresnedi Sports Center. It is cavernous! Here's a pic of the inside:
Che's section did the Bendian and Kandingan dances. Che was in the Kandingan group. The Kandingan is a slow and solemn-like Muslim dance. It's so slow that it looked like slow-motion which must've been hard on the legs. Here's a snapshot from the Kandingan video.
Here's Che and her classmates before the dance at the classroom.
There was an intermission number by the Rondalla group. The only numbers I recognized were "Looking through the Eyes of Love" and "It Might be You". There just weren't enough microphones for the instruments.
Karen's group did a rather fun dance called the Kalapati (pigeon). The movements were lively and imitated the flutters of a pigeon. Here's a snapshot from the Kalapati video:
Here's Karen and the gang while waiting for their turn.
Here's Sandra cheering on her Ate Karen during Karen's dance. That's Che the "muslim" girl. Che's classmates cheered for Karen too. Sandra and Renz thoroughly enjoyed the dances. Corz they didn't care much for the speeches and neither did I.
The mayor, Mr. Fresnedi, was there along with his wife and some school officials. I think the good mayor has done a great job with Muntinlupa like this sports center which the MunSci kids will definitely benefit from. The mayor's wife, Lor, even shook my hand as she was going out. She probly mistook me for a member of the delegates.
If it wasn't for the numerous and overly long speeches, I'd say the programme wouldn've been perfect.
The event was simply awesome. I've NEVER ever seen those folk dances before. Never! The only ones my ignorant brain could recognize were the Maglalatik, Singkil, Itik-itik, Banga and the Tinikling. There were so many more! So, it was truly a spectacle - the costumes, the dances. I enjoyed the afternoon and early evening very much. Kudos to all those who prepared. I could only imagine the amount of effort and time put into it. That was a S-U-P-E-R-B presentation, girls! Congratulations!
There were more than 20 Philippine Folk Dances: The first two were the Bendian and Banga. Then there were the Maria Clara Dances: Miligoy de Cebu, La Jota Isabela, La Jota Gumaquena, Sayaw sa Cuyo, La Jota Moncadena, Polkabal, Jota Quirino, Habahera Botolena. Then came the Muslim Dances: Kandingan, Kappa Malong Malong, Kinikin, Pigapir, Kasanduayan, Singkil. Then the Rural Dances: Itik-itik, Lapay Bantigue, Kalapati, Inalimango, Maglalatik, Salakot, Subil, Binuyogan, Polka sa Nayon, Pastores, Esperanza, Bulaklakan, Karatong, Tinikling, Kuratsa, Konan, Sayaw sa Bangko and Valse de Muntinlupa.
Here are some pics of the rest of the dances in no particular order.
Che's section did the Bendian and Kandingan dances. Che was in the Kandingan group. The Kandingan is a slow and solemn-like Muslim dance. It's so slow that it looked like slow-motion which must've been hard on the legs. Here's a snapshot from the Kandingan video.
Here's Che and her classmates before the dance at the classroom.
There was an intermission number by the Rondalla group. The only numbers I recognized were "Looking through the Eyes of Love" and "It Might be You". There just weren't enough microphones for the instruments.
Karen's group did a rather fun dance called the Kalapati (pigeon). The movements were lively and imitated the flutters of a pigeon. Here's a snapshot from the Kalapati video:
Here's Karen and the gang while waiting for their turn.
Here's Sandra cheering on her Ate Karen during Karen's dance. That's Che the "muslim" girl. Che's classmates cheered for Karen too. Sandra and Renz thoroughly enjoyed the dances. Corz they didn't care much for the speeches and neither did I.
The mayor, Mr. Fresnedi, was there along with his wife and some school officials. I think the good mayor has done a great job with Muntinlupa like this sports center which the MunSci kids will definitely benefit from. The mayor's wife, Lor, even shook my hand as she was going out. She probly mistook me for a member of the delegates.
If it wasn't for the numerous and overly long speeches, I'd say the programme wouldn've been perfect.The event was simply awesome. I've NEVER ever seen those folk dances before. Never! The only ones my ignorant brain could recognize were the Maglalatik, Singkil, Itik-itik, Banga and the Tinikling. There were so many more! So, it was truly a spectacle - the costumes, the dances. I enjoyed the afternoon and early evening very much. Kudos to all those who prepared. I could only imagine the amount of effort and time put into it. That was a S-U-P-E-R-B presentation, girls! Congratulations!
There were more than 20 Philippine Folk Dances: The first two were the Bendian and Banga. Then there were the Maria Clara Dances: Miligoy de Cebu, La Jota Isabela, La Jota Gumaquena, Sayaw sa Cuyo, La Jota Moncadena, Polkabal, Jota Quirino, Habahera Botolena. Then came the Muslim Dances: Kandingan, Kappa Malong Malong, Kinikin, Pigapir, Kasanduayan, Singkil. Then the Rural Dances: Itik-itik, Lapay Bantigue, Kalapati, Inalimango, Maglalatik, Salakot, Subil, Binuyogan, Polka sa Nayon, Pastores, Esperanza, Bulaklakan, Karatong, Tinikling, Kuratsa, Konan, Sayaw sa Bangko and Valse de Muntinlupa.
Here are some pics of the rest of the dances in no particular order.
Good Backstroke, Heavy Pool Weight!
I think I did 4 really good backstroke short lengths today. I've been attempting backstroke for a long time now but then my poor conditioning was getting in the way! Well, today I'm building this conditioning coz I'm not stopping to rest. No sir. By that I mean after a length I active rest using eggbeater kicks, never putting the feet on the floor.
I also did a couple of HUfree squares today - 1 clockwise (CW) and the other, counter clockwise (CCW). Here's how it's done for a CW square:
Today I also used the weight I built for treading exercises to strenghten the legs. Oh wow, it's heavy in the water! I could only manage half a short length with it and that's about 6m. After the very short workout I felt the burn in my quads. For a moment there I was thinking that I was carrying 2 5kg and not 2 5lb plates. Yah, it's silly and I was working out the math in my head like, this can't be JUST 10 lbs! I quickly raised the bag with the pool weight and rested it on the pool deck. I let out the water coz a lot has gone in. Then reality sunked in. Yup, it's ONLY 10 lbs and yes, it's THAT heavy. Ah well, it'll certainly take a LOT of practice. But heck, if others can do it, then so can I!
I need to rethink the old diet. I'm become so accustomed to the morning half-rice routine but I'm now considering stopping it. Maybe it's the better conditioning, but I'm not as tired and hungry as I was before. So, yesterday and today, I tried fruits instead. I had turnips (singkamas) yesterday and ripe mangoes today. It's tough yesterday coz I had a big rice serving for the morning lunch. But today, I managed with a half.
I also did a couple of HUfree squares today - 1 clockwise (CW) and the other, counter clockwise (CCW). Here's how it's done for a CW square:
- HUfree for 12.5m
- At the end of the 12.5 turn counterclockwise (while treading).
- Swim again HUfree for 12.5 and turn ccw at the end.
- Continue doing this until a square is formed.
Today I also used the weight I built for treading exercises to strenghten the legs. Oh wow, it's heavy in the water! I could only manage half a short length with it and that's about 6m. After the very short workout I felt the burn in my quads. For a moment there I was thinking that I was carrying 2 5kg and not 2 5lb plates. Yah, it's silly and I was working out the math in my head like, this can't be JUST 10 lbs! I quickly raised the bag with the pool weight and rested it on the pool deck. I let out the water coz a lot has gone in. Then reality sunked in. Yup, it's ONLY 10 lbs and yes, it's THAT heavy. Ah well, it'll certainly take a LOT of practice. But heck, if others can do it, then so can I!
I need to rethink the old diet. I'm become so accustomed to the morning half-rice routine but I'm now considering stopping it. Maybe it's the better conditioning, but I'm not as tired and hungry as I was before. So, yesterday and today, I tried fruits instead. I had turnips (singkamas) yesterday and ripe mangoes today. It's tough yesterday coz I had a big rice serving for the morning lunch. But today, I managed with a half.
